Monica Mendal is the editor-in-chief of Who What Wear in residence, a former fashion editor, travel writer, and author of So There Is This Place…-the Substack newsletter where he shares curated guides, insider tips, and goofs.
Verbier has long been the Alps’ high-octane playground. Think big scenery, big people, and an après-ski scene that rocks hard-charging like off-piste slopes. It’s glamorous, slightly quirky, and casually social, attracting everyone from serious free riders to weekenders and celebrity regulars, from the Beckhams to Leonardo DiCaprio.
After many years, I returned to Verbier to stay at the Experimental Chalet, which I thought was well-equipped with that energy, giving the group a cool Parisian sensibility in the mountains. It was Experimental’s first chalet-style hotel and, in my opinion, remains the strongest offering in its portfolio—setting a template later followed by Experimental Chalet Val d’Isère, which opened last year. Located in the heart of the city, Experimental Chalet Verbier combines design-forward interiors with a cocktail bar and DJ-inspired nights that are more fashion week than fireside Negronis swing week, a stylish crowd, and just the right amount of après-ski nightlife.
Hotel overview: Experimental Chalet Verbier
(Photo credit: Monica Mendal)
The hotel has 39 rooms and suites, from cozy crash pads to large suites with terraces, outdoor jacuzzis, and mountain views. The design by Milan-based architect Fabrizio Casiraghi feels like an alpine modern house filtered through a Parisian lens: warm woods, rich colors, clean lines, and an atmosphere that’s more intimate than rustic. The hotel has a restaurant that runs outside the check-in desk, an Experimental Cocktail Club bar, a mini spa, and an equipment room. It’s stylish without being expensive, more like a cool ski buddy’s house than a traditional luxury lodge.
From Fireside Plates to Late Night Cocktails
(Photo credit: Monica Mendal)
Food and drink are at the heart of the experience. Downstairs restaurant, Saint Bernard, leans on Alpine classics with a modern twist, highlighting local ingredients in a relaxed yet elevated setting. Highlights include Trout Grenobloise with Brown Butter, Lemon, Capers, and Croutons; Roasted Perch with Vichyssoise and Crispy Potatoes; and Fresh Tagliatelle With Lobster with Saffron Bisque, Lemon, and Tarragon. Upstairs, the Experimental Cocktail Club is one of the best spots in town—equal parts fireside hangout and late-night launchpad—with well-crafted cocktails and a crowd that’s brimming with fashion, community, and fun.
Dip, Splash, Repeat
(Photo credit: Monica Mendal)
For recovery, there’s a compact but well-designed spa in collaboration with Biologique Recherche with three treatment rooms, a sauna, a hammam, a cold pool, and an outdoor jacuzzi—perfect after a long day on the slopes. My favorite little “if you know, you know” moment is the outdoor jacuzzi that looks directly at the bar. Guests can soak in the warm water while ordering a cocktail directly from the bartender by simply knocking on the window next to the tub without missing a moment of après-ski energy. It’s a great way to recover and stay part of the fun. For those who want to keep the night going, the hotel sits directly above the Farm Club, Verbier’s iconic nightclub, making it dangerously easy from April to late at night.
Verbier Nights
(Photo credit: Monica Mendal)
(Photo credit: Monica Mendal)
Below right, the Farm Club is Verbier’s popular nightlife destination—an intimate, stylish venue with a true mountain pedigree. Since it opened in 1971, it has been the place where après turns all night, and is loved by locals and travelers alike for its mix of top DJs and a mixed crowd. With the club now part of Exploration, guests can dance late into the night and head upstairs to sleep, ready to do it early in the morning.
White-Glove Ski Experience
(Photo credit: Monica Mendal)
For a more white-glove experience, the hotel partners with the local ski shop, Les Ruinettes, for all ski equipment rentals as well as clothing and goggles if needed. Everything can be arranged directly from the shop, then delivered and stored in the hotel’s basement ski room, where secure lockers and gloves and boot warmers are provided for each guest.
What to Pack
(Photo credit: Monica Mendal)
Ski
Hit the slopes in style and comfort with the essentials: a waterproof ski jacket and pants, warm gloves, a helmet, and goggles. Don’t forget cozy socks and thermal base layers to stay toasty from the first rise to the last run.
We Norwegians
Aurora Down Ski Jacket
NIKE x Jacquemus
Gore-Tex Ski Pants with a wide leg
Fusalp
Matterhorn Ski Goggles
You’re stupid
Heattech Extra Warm Cashmere Blend Turtleneck T-Shirt
Après-Ski
When the skiing goes down, switch out your gear for cozy transition pieces. Think soft sweaters, layered pieces, and cozy boots that are perfect for lounging over hot drinks and cocktails without sacrificing warmth and style.
Varley
Belinda Padded Fair Isle Knitted Jacket
Varley
Always Warm Jersey Leggings
The legs
52 Shearling Ankle Boots
Johnstons of Elgin
Waffle-Knit Cashmere Snood
Verbier Events
Verbier evenings call for a more polished look. Pack a chic, warm coat; layers of style; and boots with good traction to navigate snowy or icy roads. A smart-casual outfit will keep you cozy while looking put together for a night on the town.
Nour Hammour
Joni Shearling Coat
& Daughter
Caragh Oversized Cropped Wool Sweater
Agolde
Arc Mid-Rise Wide-Leg Jeans
Aquazzura
Suede Ankle Boots
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